NFL Week 8

We finally wound up above .500 in Week 7, coming in at 8-6 and bringing the 2007 slate to 39-56-7. Getting even for the season will be a monumental task, but we're nothing if not wildly optimistic. Extra added bonus for football fans this week: No Sunday night game means no going out of your way to avoid the oily and unctuous Keith Olbermann.

SUNDAY
Giants -9.5 DOLPHINS: The NFL heads to London and Miami fans wish the Fish would stay there. This concludes the creampuff portion of the Giants schedule, with Dallas coming up after the bye. Giants 38-10

Browns -3 RAMS: Rams may actually be worse than Miami, and that's saying something. Browns 27-6

BEARS -5 Lions: Detroit never wins on the road and the Bears have a little payback in mind after giving up 34 in the fourth quarter a few weeks back. Midwest correspondent 3 wood weighs in: "The Bears can not cover the Lions receivers, but Griese should be able to make enough first downs to keep the Bears "D" off the field at least half the time." He says Bears by three, I say they cover. Bears 26-20

Colts -6.5 PANTHERS: Coming off short week, Colts could be tripped up looking ahead to showdown with New England, but not likely against banged-up Carolina. Colts 34-20

TITANS -7.5 Raiders: Tennessee was fortunate to escape miraculous rally by Houston last week, aided by a ridiculous eight field goals from Rob Bironas. This week they'll only need him for extra points. Titans 31-13

VIKINGS +1 Eagles: Adrian Peterson left, right, up the middle. Minnesota may seriously want to consider getting an NFL quarterback. Vikings 16-13

Steelers -3.5 BENGALS: Pittsburgh should be angry after losing at Denver and they never lose in Cincinnati. Bengals a week away from having all their criminals back, a Chris Henry is eligible to return next week.Steelers 31-27

Bills +3 JETS: Bills are alone in second place in the AFC East. They'll remain there the rest of the year. Bills 17-13

CHARGERS -10 Texans: Democrats saddened they can't exploit the California fires any longer, so look for them to make up some new lies this week. Chargers 42-17

BUCS -4 Jaguars: Speaking of fires, Jags were torched by the Colts and lost their starting QB, David Garrard. They're in deep trouble. Bucs 16-10

Saints -3 49ERS: The only thing getting lit up in Northern California this week will be the punchless 49ers. Saints 31-13

Redskins +16.5 PATRIOTS: At some point, the Patriots will fail to cover. Skins aren't that bad and should muster enough offense to keep this reasonable. Patriots 35-20

MONDAY
BRONCOS -3 Packers: Looks like Denver won't have to worry about World Series Game 5 causing traffic problems. Brett Favre and the Pack coming back to reality. Broncos may have salvaged their season last week and may start stringing some wins together. Broncos 28-17